The Travel Guide to Ha’apai for Families

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

How to Get to Ha’apai

With most families arriving in Tonga through Tongatapu, the easiest way to get to Ha’apai is by taking a plane or the passenger ferry from Tongatapu. Flights are advised for ease of travel and transport during the day. Most ferry crossings are throughout the night, which generally makes for grumpy kids.

Ha’apai by Plane

Flights go back and forth between Tongatapu and Ha’apai two to three times a day, except for Sundays. Flights are from the domestic terminal in Fua’amotu Airport on Tongatapu and land at Pilolevu Airport, 3km (1.9 miles) north of the main town of Ha’apai, Pangai. Flights last approximately 50 minutes and offer one of the quickest and often most convenient way to get between the island. Find out more in Where Can You Fly to in Tonga?

Ha’apai by Ferry

Offering a cheaper alternative to get to Ha’apai, there are ferries departing from Queen Salote Wharf in Nuku’alofa. The two ferry services stop at several destinations in Ha’apai on their Monday-to-Saturday runs between Tongatapu and Vava’u. The ferries stop at Nomuka, Ha’afeva and Taua’ahau Wharf in Pangai. Travel times to Ha’apai from Tongatapu are approximately 8 to 12 hours. Up-to-date schedules can be found at the Nuku’alofa Visitor Centre, but it’s also advised to call the day ahead of departure, as schedules change.

Accommodation Transfers

Once you arrive at the wharf or airport in Pangai, accommodation providers will offer transfers to their resorts/guesthouses if arranged prior to arrival. Some accommodations will arrange both boat and land transport.

For more information on getting to and around the islands, see 5 Ways to Get to Ha’apai.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

Water Activities for Families

You didn’t come all the way to the tropics to spend all of your time on land. Truly, most of the action is out on the water which is teeming with life and even home to humpback whales between July and October. Here are just some family-friendly ways to spend some time on the water…

Snorkelling in Ha’apai

Many of Ha’apai’s resorts offer fantastic snorkelling straight from the beach, such as at Fanifo Lofa, Serenity Beaches Resort and Matafonua Lodge. The accommodations offer free use of snorkelling gear to explore the coral bommies and tropical fish in Ha’apai’s crystal clear waters. Matafonua has its own “House Reef” in a shallow lagoon ideal for safe swimming with the kids, whereas Fanifo Lofa has beautiful snorkelling right by the beach.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Another way to get out on the water with the little ones is by hiring a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard. Kids love learning to paddle across the tranquil waters, looking out for fish or even manta rays seen through the clear water, while younger kids can couple up with mum or dad easily on a paddleboard or kayak. Kayak hire is a staple at most resorts in Ha’apai, while paddleboarding is available at Fanifo Lofa and Matafonua Lodge.

Fishing, whale watching, sailing and more can be enjoyed around Ha’apai, so learn more about water activities with the kids in the 10 Things To Do in Ha’apai with Kids.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

Land Activities for Families

If you do manage to pull your kids away from the water, which, trust us, is a challenge, then there are some fantastic land experience to enjoy as a family.

Horse Riding

Watch the smiles on your little ones’ faces as they experience Ha’apai on horseback! Horses are still used on the islands as a form of transport, so your resort finding a horse riding tour for you is hardly an issue. Matafonua Lodge works with local communities to offer horse riding through tropical forest, along the beach and even with its hooves in the ocean. What’s more, the experience is done “island style” with no saddle!

Learn Traditional Tongan Arts and Crafts

Looking for something educational to do with the kids? Don’t miss the opportunity to do Tongan crafts, such as weaving and tapa-making! Some of the Ha’apai resorts offer guests the opportunity to have a hands-on experience, weaving baskets or fans. While Fanifo Lofa can teach you at the resort, Matafonua Lodge offers cultural day trips to a nearby village where you’ll see handicraft demonstrations, listen to beautiful singing from the local school children, and indulge in an island feast.